Tucked away in the rough terrains of Ladakh , these monasteries aren’t just pit stops but soul-stops. From the golden charm of Diskit to the stunning architecture of Thiksey, you will be left spellbound with their beauty.
Each monastery in Ladakh showcases deep-rooted Buddhist culture, offering moments of calm amid challenging mountain rides. Prayer halls echo with chants, fluttering prayer flags line the roads, and panoramic views reward every stop.
Whether you’re riding through Nubra, Sham Valley, or near Pangong, these monasteries add purpose to the journey, making your bike trip not just adventurous but also culturally enriching and spiritually grounding.
With our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages, you can discover monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip, get to know about the location, and timings, and get a glimpse of the entry fees.
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Top Monasteries to Visit During a Ladakh Bike Trip
Here’s a list of top monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip:
One of the most famous and largest monasteries in Ladakh, the Hemis Monastery dates back to the 17th century and is home to a wide range of ancient Buddhist relics. This monastery has a statue of Buddha made from gold and silver. When here, do attend the annual Hemis Festival and visit the Hemis National Park. It is truly one of the best monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip.
- Location: WP76+F3C, Hemis, 194201
- Timings: 8:00 AM-1:00 PM and 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
One of the most beautiful spiritual attractions on a Ladakh biking route is the Thiksey Monastery, which dates back to the 15th century and is a twelve-story structure, resembling the Potala Palace in Tibet. There are many holy shrines in the monastery, and Goddess Dorje Chenmo is the most popular one. Thiksey is also known for the 40-foot-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha and other ancient relics.
- Location: Thiksey, Ladakh 194201
- Timings: 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
One of the best monasteries to visit during the Leh Ladakh bike tour, Diskit Monastery is the largest and the oldest, located in Nubra Valley, a spot popular among tourists. Established in the 14th century, the iconic spot highlights the Tibetan architectural styles and the rich collection of Buddha idols. Do trek at this structure and admire its beauty.
At the time of monastery tour during Leh Ladakh bike trip, do visit Lamayuru Monastery, the oldest and largest, situated on a steep mountain top, famous for its rich collection of murals, thangkas, and Buddha sculptures. It is believed that this monastery was established here after a lake got dried up.
In your Leh Ladakh motorbike itinerary with monasteries, do include Alchi Monastery which is the oldest Buddhist learning center. It is also one of the largest and oldest monasteries, which lies on the Indus. Established in the 12th century, the monastery is decorated with bright colours and has also been featured in Bollywood films like Dil Se and Tashan.
- Location: Alchi, Ladakh 194106
- Timings: 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: INR 100 per person
Another iconic spot that must be on your list during Leh Ladakh monastery bike trip is the Phugtal Monastery which is situated at the mouth of a cave and is close to a major tributary of the river Lungnak. Founded in the 12th century, this monastery is only accessible by foot, therefore you can reach from Padum to Ichar and then trek up to the monastery.
Overlooking the gorgeous Indus River, Spituk Monastery was built in the 11th century and is home to 100 monks as well as a giant statue of the goddess Kali. This monastery in Leh is known for its unique Buddha, great collection of ancient masks, fine thangkas, and antique arms, as well as the 5 thangkas sharing space with mini chortens and sculptures.
- Location: 4GGG+5C9, Leh, 194104
- Timings: 7:00 AM-6:30 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: Free
Also called Klu-Kkhyii gompa, the Likir Monastery was established by Duwang Chosje in 1065. The monastery has Buddhist teachings and the three basic Pratimoksha disciplines that are still preached on this site. It is a must-visit destination as it will definitely amaze you with its beauty and serenity.
- Location: 76V8+72H, Likir, 194101
- Timings: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
Also known as Thak Thak and Thag Thag by the locals, this monastery was built around a cave on a mountainside, which is a famous pilgrimage site for all the Tibetan Buddhists around the world. It is believed that the great legend, Padmasambhava, did his meditation in this cave in the early 8th century. Further, this monastery has a temple with statues of Maitreya, Padmasambhava, and Dorje Takposal.
Built in the 16th century, the monastery is located in the premises of the Shey Palace, and is believed to be the summer retreat of the royal family of Ladakh. The monastery has the largest Buddha statue made of glided copper called Shakyamuni Buddha. This spot is located close to Druk Padma Karpo Institute renamed (Rancho School) after its feature in Hindi movie 3 Idiots.
Phyang Gompa is known for ancient wall paintings, collection of old thangkas and murals of Mahakala, the monastery also has a museum that has a 900-year-old collection of idols, scriptures, Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian firearms and weapons. Home to around 100 monks, the monastery has a school to impart training in Buddhism along with modern education.
- Location: 5FPQ+HW2, Fiang, 194101
- Timings: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: Free
Located in the late 16th century, Stakna means “tiger’s nose,” which is the exact shape of the hill on which this monastery is located, this monastery portrays the cultural and religious heritage of India and Bhutan. The best part of Stakna Monastery is that it offers stunning views of the Indus River Valley from its rooftop.
Known as the “paradise of meditation,” this monastery is home to 40 monks. According to popular belief, Guru Padmasambhava, along with other lamas, used to meditate in the caves of this monastery. From Rizong Monastery you can get stunning views of the picturesque Indus Valley.
- Location: Rizong Gompa, Leh, 194106
- Timings: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM-5:00 PM (Mon-Sun, Open on Public Holidays)
- Entry Fee: Free
Established in the 14th century, Matho Monastery is the only Ladakh monastery that follows the Sakya sect of Buddhism. Home to more than 60 lamas, the monastery was constructed 500 years ago and has a marvelous collection of ancient Thangkas, walls adorned with sacred paintings, statues of Maitreya and Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara (a thousand-armed statue), and the blessing Buddha.
Situated on top of a mountain, Rangdum Monastery looks like a citadel, which offers breathtaking views of priests, glaciers, mountains, and rolling hills. Rangdum was built 200 years ago in Kargil's Suru Valley and is currently home to 40 monks, Tibetan antiques, and precious artifacts. The spot has a peaceful aura for meditation and attracts thousands of visitors.
Must-Visit Monasteries on a Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip
Exploring the monasteries to visit during Ladakh bike trip is not optional; it is essential if you want a complete Ladakh experience. These monasteries balance the thrill of high-altitude riding with silence, history, and spiritual depth. They break the monotony of long routes and replace it with meaning, perspective, and unforgettable views.
A Ladakh bike trip without monastery visits is incomplete, and doing it with the right guidance is is important, therefor you need to choose wisely, ride smart, and let WanderOn turn your adventure into a journey that stays with you long after the ride ends.
